Velma L. Rice

Velma L. Rice, 86, of Festus, formerly of Piggott, died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2004, at her home in Festus.

She was born June 23, 1917, in Pollard, the daughter of the late Euin and Belle McDonald Pillow.

She was united in marriage to George Spencer Pickering and he preceded her in death in 1959. She married Edwin Rice on Nov. 27, 1973.

Preceding her in death were one brother and two sisters.

She is survived by her husband, Edwin Rice of Festus; one son, Ted Pickering of Festus; one daughter, Deloris Bills of Pontiac, Mich.; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; two sisters, Virginia Lentz of O'Fallon, Mo., and Josephine Hill of Palm Desert, Calif.; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004, in the Hoggard and Sons Chapel with Bill Neuman officiating. Burial will be in the Piggott Cemetery with Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday (today).